writing

RY-ting/ˈɹaɪtɪŋ/

Noun pluralwritings (some meanings)

7 meanings of writing

Practice

1
putting down wordsverb
Present participle of write. Use this form when the action is happening now.
She is writing a letter to her cousin in Spain.
They are writing their names on the chalkboard.
UsageOne t: writing (not ~~incorrect: writting~~), as in she is writing.
2
noununcountable
The work of creating books, stories, articles, and other texts, whether it is your job or not.
She left her office job to focus on her writing.
Her teacher says she has a real talent for writing.
UsageSay turn to writing or a talent for writing. Writings are the things someone wrote.
Note
3
a textnouncountable
Something that someone has written, like a letter, article, or book.
Like a note you can hold in your hand and read later.
The court accepted the writing as proof of his promise.
His early writings filled three thick notebooks.
UsageOften plural: his writings are the things he wrote.
4
visible symbolsnoununcountable
Marks or letters on a surface that stand for words and carry meaning.
Like the marks a pen leaves that other people can read.
Faint writing covered the surface of the ancient tablet.
The writing on the old sign had faded away.
UsageSay the writing on the sign for the words on one thing.
Similarscript, lettering, inscription, text
Note
5
noununcountable
The act of recording language using letters or other symbols.
Like turning spoken words into marks you can see and keep.
Children spend years learning reading and writing at school.
Before writing existed, stories were passed on by word of mouth.
UsageOften in reading and writing, with no a or the.
6
own stylenoununcountable
The personal way a particular person forms letters or puts words together.
Like knowing a friend just from the sound of their voice.
I could recognize her writing on the envelope at once.
His writing is messy, but you get used to it.
UsageTo be clear, say handwriting for how someone's letters look.
Similarhandwriting, hand, style, prose
Note
7
nounbefore a noun
Meant for or used in the act of putting words on paper.
Like a 'school bag': a bag meant for carrying school things.
She bought thick writing paper for her letters.
She bought a pad of writing paper and a box of envelopes.
UsageBefore a thing used to write: writing paper, a writing desk.
Note

writing is a form of write

write, verb: To create a book, story, poem, song or other piece of writing. Full entry

Forms: writewrites he/she/itwriting -ing formwrote past tensewritten past participle
Spelling: write → writing: drop the e, add -ing

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of writing apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origins

Meanings 2–7

From Old English wrīting, made from the verb write plus -ing.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

The noun writing derives from Old English wrīting. en.wiktionary.org
Its formation corresponds to write plus -ing. en.wiktionary.org

Meaning 1

From Old English wrītende, a form of the verb wrītan, meaning to scratch, carve, or write. Its ending later became -ing.